The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1887-07-07

and thriving city occupying this bend of the
river, whose influence should control public
opinion in its vicinity in favor OF the patri-
archal institution. Town lots already were
held ut lofty rates, and when one assembled
the bluffs and beheld the magnificent
stretch of river and field, twelve miles up
and down, it seemed that any price at all
could never be too great with this wonder
full landscape always in view. II the oppo-
site Kansas shore was the Canaan flowing
with milk and honey, as its Northern advo-
Gates were fond Of saying, it seemed suffi
cient to the inhabitants on the hither side
to enjoy the prospect beyond the swelling
Hood without an attempt TO occupy and en-
counter the Alnaleks they were sure to find
in their path.
Ny father, who was the leading physician
In this pioneer hamlet, was among its first
settlers. Born in Virginia, he had no anti
slavery preiudices; yet he felt the system
20 be detrimental to the white race. Be-
fore coming West he had emancipated
himself by disposing of his negroes, reserv-
ing only couple of house servants. Even
this shade OF disapproval in the then state
of public feeling, was construed into a hos
tile sentiment. An outspoken declaration
against secession on the part of the South
y
him almost an outlaw.
On certain spl ing morning this remote
spot was astir with the reverberation OF
the guns of Fort Modltrie. Now, there
could no longer be any doubt where my
father stood He declared Internationally
for the Union. Our house had what many
OF the ruder structures had not--a commo-
dious cellar--and here at night knots of
Union men held their secret meetings, each
vending his way by separate path up and
around the bluffs to divert suspicion-the
incipiert Home Guards OF Missouri. There
was an underlined dread in the air which
denoted an uprising even among those who
had long been friends and neighbors.
When at last Governor jackson disclosed
his true attitude and called upon the State
militia to repel the invasion of the Federal
troops, the pent-up feeling found express
sion in wild speeches from the inconsder-
ate of both parties.
Lyon was preparing TO move against JEFF
ferson City, and recruiting officers were
busy mastering troops for both sides OF the
conflict all over the State Lawlessness
happily unknown to the older border States
was already rampant-born OF the free
frontier spirit which is always ready fol
reckless daring and adventure.
Our house stood upon an elevation, ant
in the ravine below wound the main road o
OF the outlying country. Not day passe'
that we did not see squads Of horsemeI
Ralloping along the dusty road, but whethe
rebel, or loyal none couic tell, for at tina
time all were in citizens dress. The feel
ing of insecurity concerning the negroe
was increasing, and day after day saw II
loads Of slave property carried farthe
south into the cotton States, for II was thel
thought that all the battles would be Tough
on Northern soil
Our household consisted, beside the sery
ants, of only my father, my sister Jane an
myself Among the suitors for the hand o
nv sister was Richard Kirby, a young
bold, daring Carolinian. In physique b
was the perfection Of manly vigor, hand
some and courteous in bearing; and
warm partisan in favor Of secession Be
tween my mild. quiet sister and himself
the very opposites Of each other, my fathe
had deprecated the growing attachment
and my sister, won though she was by'he
lovers dashing waya and ardent affection